Blog/News/PR

This is where you can find the latest news about NECA and the contractors we work with. Check back frequently for new information.

Be Proactive Before You Buy!

Apr 05, 2017

Hire a home inspector

A home inspector will be able to look over aspects of a home includes electrical, plumbing, heating, and cooling systems. No area of the home is safe from the inspector, and they will be sure to give you a comprehensive report about the electrical system in the home. During the home inspection, an electrician will be sure to check for the following:

Wiring should be grounded and in good working condition

Outlets should be free of cracks and physical defects

Ground fault circuit interrupters should be installed in the bathroom, garage, kitchen and basement

Should be no signs of an overloaded circuit

Electrical service panel should be up to date

Check Electrical Items

Electrical Panels

Every home has an electrical panel located somewhere in the home. Generally, you can find these somewhere inside the home, the garage, or the basement. When inspected, the panel should be checked for age, residue, as well as general wear and tear. If the fuses are outdated, a licensed electrician should replace the fuses with circuit breaker switches.

Electrical Outlets

Electrical outlets should be secure to the wall as well as free of any wallpaper or paint. Using a simple outlet tester, outlets should also be checked for faulty wiring. Don’t forget about light switches and different light fixtures too. Other appliances, such as dryers, water heaters, and dishwashers, should be in proper working condition and run through to make sure that they are. One of the most important things to check is the smoke detector. And remember, if a wired smoke detector is more than 8 years old it should be replaced.

Wiring

This is definitely something that should not be ignored, especially in older homes. Any home built before 1950 is very likely to have knob-and-tube wiring and could even have aluminum. Knob-and-tube wiring in itself isn’t bad, but that type of wiring cannot stand up to the needs of today’s electrical demands. If you believe your home has either knob-and-tube wiring or aluminum, call a licensed electrician to have them replaced.

Don’t let yourself be caught off guard by the electrical system in your home. Save yourself time and energy by having a home inspection done by a professional electrician before buying a home. Visit lightingtheqca.com for more information or to find a licensed electrician.

Want to learn more about our Licensed Electrical Contractors In The Quad Cities?

Find a Contractor

Search our member directory for certified, local electricians to help get the job done right.

Contractor Name

Customer Testimonials

"The American Red Cross has a longstanding relationship with the IBEW in the Quad Cities. During the construction of our new facility in Moline we were continually impressed with the quality of performance and attention to detail by the IBEW members working on... read more

Betsy Pratt

Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross

"The American Red Cross has a longstanding relationship with the IBEW in the Quad Cities. During the construction of our new facility in Moline we were continually impressed with the quality of performance and attention to detail by the IBEW members working on site. All work was completed ahead of schedule and there was great pride in workmanship demonstrated in all aspects of the project.."

Betsy Pratt

Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross

"The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center prides itself in the highest quality of service to the community. The IBEW has the same commitment to service along with quality craftsmanship. That is one of the reasons we used local members from IBEW Local 145 on... read more

Dave Green

Mississippi Valley Blood Center

"The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center prides itself in the highest quality of service to the community. The IBEW has the same commitment to service along with quality craftsmanship. That is one of the reasons we used local members from IBEW Local 145 on our new $13.5 million facility. Workers diligently labored, even in sub-zero temperatures, so the project could be completed on time and with the highest measures of quality."

Dave Green

Mississippi Valley Blood Center

"In my experience with service calls and smaller scale projects on the Augustana Campus, I have found the LightingTheQCA workers to be skilled and knowledgeable. They bring to the project on-time completion and the ability to remain within budget. That is a... read more

David Barker

Manager of Facilities, Augustana College

"In my experience with service calls and smaller scale projects on the Augustana Campus, I have found the LightingTheQCA workers to be skilled and knowledgeable. They bring to the project on-time completion and the ability to remain within budget. That is a great asset. From their office staff to field personnel, they represent themselves in a professional manner and have been great to work with. What was really important to me was that the project was done on time, and there were no further disruptions by having to call them back."

David Barker

Manager of Facilities, Augustana College

"We used qualified IBEW Electricians during the construction of both the new Rock Island County Animal Shelter and also for the new Rock Island County Forest Preserve Golf Clubhouse. Our Rock Island County Board insists on using IBEW Electricians because of their... read more

Jim Bohnsack

Chairman of the Board at Rock Island County

"We used qualified IBEW Electricians during the construction of both the new Rock Island County Animal Shelter and also for the new Rock Island County Forest Preserve Golf Clubhouse. Our Rock Island County Board insists on using IBEW Electricians because of their superior work quality that we can count on every time. It is extremely important that the work be completed on time and within our budget and we know we can count on both when we use IBEW Electricians. Their professionalism and training set them apart."

Jim Bohnsack

Chairman of the Board at Rock Island County

"Estes Construction works with several electrical contracting firms who are signatory to the IBEW Local # 145 and has done so for the almost 40 year history of Estes. Estes has a mission to be the preferred provider of construction services and it is imperative... read more

Kent Pilcher

President of Estes Construction

"Estes Construction works with several electrical contracting firms who are signatory to the IBEW Local # 145 and has done so for the almost 40 year history of Estes. Estes has a mission to be the preferred provider of construction services and it is imperative that our team members perform accordingly. Estes has come to count on our signatory contractors and their partnership with Local #145 to provide highly skilled and professional electrical workers. The leadership of Local #145 has always emphasized the need for the workforce to perform at the highest levels to insure safe projects, completed with a very high level of quality and within required schedules. Lastly, Local #145 continually works to contribute to a stronger community and industry as they are very active in a number of activities.”

Choosing the right qualified electrician or electrical contractor in the Quad Cities area is easier…starting now. Let NECA Joe explain the difference that a trained, experienced electrical professional can make in your project.